CONYERS, Ga. — New photos and videos captured early Tuesday morning show a shifting chemical cloud still impacting the Conyers area, days after a fire broke out at a facility producing pool and spa treatments. Rockdale County authorities warned residents to stay indoors if they see or smell the plume.
Photos and videos from the 11Alive Skytracker show a dense haze blanketing parts of Conyers early Tuesday morning. The visuals show the extent to which the cloud has spread, with reports indicating the plume has shifted south of Conyers and remains unpredictable due to wind changes.
Rockdale County officials are continuing to monitor the situation and are in contact with state environmental agencies. They urge residents to remain vigilant and follow emergency alerts as the cleanup and containment efforts continue.
The fire, which began Sunday, caused a chemical reaction when the sprinkler system activated, mixing hazardous material on site and releasing it into the air. The entire City of Conyers was evacuated, and a shelter-in-place order was issued for the wider Rockdale County. Surrounding counties reported a chlorine odor and a visible haze in some areas.
Rockdale County and the City of Conyers announced Monday evening that the EPA's air quality readings showed levels "well below contamination," lifting the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. Conyers residents were allowed to return home after nearly two days of uncertainty.
However, just hours later, Rockdale County issued a new update around 4 a.m., advising residents that the chemical cloud was "banking down and moving throughout the county" due to changing weather conditions. The county's emergency alert recommended that anyone who notices the cloud or a strong chemical odor should shelter in place until it moves out of their area. Get live updates for Tuesday here.
